The Intramolecular Self-Assembly of Statistical Copolymers in Aqueous Solution to Form Anisotropic Single-Chain Nanoparticles with Tunable Aspect Ratio.

ABSTRACT: Natural single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) such as proteins have inspired research into the formation and application of synthetic SCNPs. Although the latter can mimic general aspects of the self-assembly behavior of their biological counterparts, these systems remain relatively understudied. In this respect, a systematic series of amphiphilic statistical copolymers (ASC) of different molecular weights, with a hydrophilic comonomer (methacrylic acid) and varying hydrophobic comonomer to encompass methacrylates of different hydrophobicity, are synthesized. Small-angle X-ray scattering studies confirmed that SCNPs are achieved for each copolymer series when dispersed in basified water at 1% w/w. When the aggregation number of the ASC nanoparticles is close to unity the particle shape elongat

SUBMITTER: Neal TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11884217 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature